13 - Enhancement of materials - Polymer enhancement Flashcards
Lubricants
Adding wax when the polymer is molten - reduces the viscosity of the polymer, making it less ‘sticky’, allowing more intricate shapes to be formed
+ also saves energy by lowering the moulding temperature
Thermal antioxidants
Prevents the polymer oxidising or discolouring due to excessive heat exposure
Pigments
Tiny particles mixed in to the molten polymer to give colour to the final processed product
Antistatics
Reduces the likelyhood of the polymer building up a static charge
Flame retardents
Reduces the likelyhood of combustion or the spread of fire. Also reduces the likelihood of electrical fires
Used in car engine components and plug sockets
Plasticisers
Allows plastics to become less hard and brittle at normal temperature.
E.G: Can be added to LDPE food wrap, allows the wrap to be stretched over the food product
+ also allow polymers to be easily processed and formed at higher temperatures
Fillers
Sawdust and wood flour makes up most of the product, means less polymer have to be used.
Mineral fillers, such as chalk, clay and calcium also improve the thermal conductivity of the polymer. This allows it to heat quicker, and cool quicker, making production quicker.
Biodegradable plasticisers
Make the polymer more flexible, softer and easier to break down. Therefore faster time to degrade
Bio-batch additives
Oxy-degradable, photo-degradable and hydro-degradable additives.
Help to reduce the degradation time from hundreds of years, to a few years or months
Antioxidants
Help to reduce the environmental deterioration of the polymer due to exposure to exygen in the air.
Helps to prevent cracking and discolouration of pigment.
Often used in polymer garden furniture
UV light stabilisers
Prevent the polymer chains being broken down by sunlight.
UV can cause colour loss and brittleness
Used in outdoor furniture and toys, stadium seats, and synthetic grass
